as in tool
one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another
the novel's characters are not fully fleshed humans, but are simply lay figures strutted out to serve as mouthpieces for conflicting points of view
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay figure
Noun
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From Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida, the wage standard needs nurturing and protecting with whatever tools are available.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026 -
There are other tools the EU could use.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Privatized airports avoided long shutdown waits Privatizing airport security, some in the business argue, makes airport workers and travelers less vulnerable to becoming pawns in congressional fights over policy issues.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
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The indictment alleges that Bernadel stole property including iPads, Apple and Dell computers, a Mavic drone and a Canon digital camera, then the items for cash at pawn shops.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Lay figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20figure. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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